St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia, has a rich and diverse history that reflects the cultural and economic development of the region.
St. Peter’s has a rich cultural heritage influenced by the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, and Scottish settlers. The village is known for its Gaelic traditions, music, and community events that celebrate its diverse cultural roots.
The area around St. Peter’s was long inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people, who lived off the land and waterways, fishing, hunting, and gathering around the Bras d’Or Lakes.
This community was named San Pedro by its Portuguese founders, who used the area as a fishing base in 1521-27. In 1650, Nicolas Denys, a French trader and explorer, established a trading post and fort at St. Pierre (St. Peter’s) to facilitate the fur trade and fishing. The French-speaking Acadians also settled in the area and engaged in agriculture, fished, and traded with the Mi’kmaq. The town was renamed St Pierre and Port Toulouse under the French, until the British plundered it in 1745.
In 1700s, control of the region shifted to the British after several conflicts between the French and British. Following the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, the British took over most of Acadia, including the St. Peter’s area.
The fort was rebuilt, along with a road to Fortress of Louisbourg, which fell in 1758 and the area fell into British hands. The town was renamed St Peter’s and the British built Fort Granville in 1792 (its ramparts are still visible at Battery Provincial Park).
The construction of the St. Peter’s Canal was completed in 1869. It was built to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Bras d’Or Lake, following a Mi’kmaq. Portage route. This facilitating maritime trade and transportation. The canal remains a vital waterway and a historic site.
The canal spurred economic growth in the region, leading to the development of the village as a center for shipping, fishing, and trade. The community grew as businesses and services were established to support the local economy.
Since the 1900s, tourists have been drawn to the area’s natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions, such as the St. Peter’s Canal and various museums.
St Peter’s Attractions
Battery Provincial Park
10192 Grenville St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-3094
Website
A beautiful park offering camping, hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Bras d’Or Lake and St. Peter’s Canal. The park is a great place for outdoor activities and relaxing in a natural setting.
Bras d’Or Lakes Inn
10095 Grenville St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-2200
Website
A charming inn offering comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, and event facilities. The inn is located on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake (just north of the St Peter’s Canal turnoff) and provides a relaxing and scenic place to stay.
Cape Breton Sailing Charters
10095 Grenville St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-2200
Website
Offering sailing charters on the Bras d’Or Lake, this service provides a unique way to explore the stunning waterways around St. Peter’s. Charters can be customized for different lengths and group sizes, providing a memorable sailing experience.
Eileanan Brèagha Vineyards
5349 Marble Mountain Rd, Marble Mountain, NS B0E 2Y0
902-756-3417
Website
Located a short drive from St. Peter’s, this vineyard offers wine tastings, tours, and a beautiful setting overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake. The vineyard produces a variety of wines from locally grown grapes.
These attractions provide a variety of experiences, from historical and cultural explorations to outdoor activities and scenic views, making St. Peter’s a charming and diverse destination for visitors.
MacAskill House Museum
10808 Grenville St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-3312
Website
The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Wallace R. MacAskill, a renowned maritime photographer. The museum features his photographs, camera equipment, and personal artifacts, offering a glimpse into the life of this famous artist.
Nicholas Denys Museum
69 Denys St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-5050
Website
Overlooking the St Peter’s Canal, with a collection of local historical materials housed in a French-styled building inspired by the trading post established here in 1650. The museum showcases the history of Nicholas Denys, a French explorer and fur trader who established settlements in the area in the 17th century. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and information about the region’s early European settlers. Tours. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Admission (school groups free). Special rates for bus tours. Open: June 1 to Sept 30 daily 9 – 5.
Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park
11997 NS-247, Point Michaud, NS B0E 1W0
902-535-2377
Website
A beautiful sandy ocean beach known for its excellent surfing conditions. The park offers picnic areas, walking trails, and lifeguard services, making it a popular spot for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site
10259 Grenville St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-2118
Website
This historic canal connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Bras d’Or Lake, folowing an ancient Mi’kmaq portage route, making it one of the oldest working canals in North America. The St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site, for example, is maintained by Parks Canada and offers interpretive programs and exhibits about the canal’s history and significance. Visitors can watch boats navigate the locks, explore the visitor center, and enjoy scenic views and walking trails.
St. Peter’s Lions Marina
9695 Grenville St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-2727
Website
A full-service marina offering boat docking, fuel, and repair services. The marina is a hub for boating enthusiasts and provides access to the scenic waterways of the Bras d’Or Lake and the Atlantic Ocean.
Wallace MacAskill Yacht Club
9739 Grenville St, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0
902-535-2735
Website
A yacht club offering sailing programs, regattas, and social events for members and visitors. The club promotes sailing and boating activities in the beautiful waters around St. Peter’s.